Spike Lee will be honored at the NAACP Image Awards this year, where the iconic filmmaker will receive the President’s Award.

NAACP president and CEO Cornell William Brooks calls the Do the Right Thing director a “trailblazer” and a “champion for minorities.”

Brooks continues, “His expansive body of work examining race relations, colorism in the Black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues reflect the fullness of the humanity of people of color — particularly African-Americans.”

The President’s Award is chosen by the NAACP president and recognizes special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees have included PresidentBill Clinton, Muhammad Ali and, most recently, Kerry Washington.

Lee has had an active career, churning out a film per year on average. His latest movie, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, is a romantic horror comedy that follows a scholar who becomes cursed after a run-in with an ancient African artifact. It was partially funded through Kickstarter.

The 46th NAACP Image Awards will be broadcast live on February 6 at 9 p.m. Check your local listings for details.